Local residents still needing to tackle back-to-school shopping, can save a little extra this weekend, thanks to the state’s tax-free holiday.

The holiday will begin at 12:01 a.m. on Friday and end at midnight on Sunday, Aug. 4.

Locally, Crenshaw County and the City of Luverne will participate.

Some 278 cities and counties have waived their sales taxes on:

• computers and computer equipment with a selling price of $750 or less;

• books that cost $30 or less;

• school supplies valued at $50 or less; or

• clothing prices at $100 or less.

“Consumer spending will increase in August, and Alabama’s sales tax holiday will give back-to-school shopping in our state the jump start it needs,” said Alabama Retail Association President Rick Brown.

The National Retail Federation estimated that back-to-school spending will reach $72.5 billion this year.

ARA predicts that taxed sales in August will grow about 1 percent over 2012 August sales, which means consumers will spend $4.16 billion in Alabama this month.

Local merchants, were busy readying their shelves this week, and are expecting good sales.

At 61 on Main, Martha Dickey said the store will be open 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. on Sunday.

“We’re having our regular hours,” she said. “Our clothes are one-third to 50 percent off, and we’ll have a shoe sale.”

Paisley’s Petals owner Justin Bradley said they will have 50 percent off clothing and will be open 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. on Friday and 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Saturday.

School supplies can be purchased at any of the three Dollar Generals, Fred’s, Family Dollar, Rite Aid and more. Factory Connection, Mary E’s, Tootie’s and more have clothing and accessories.

The Crenshaw County Chamber of Commerce reminds residents to shop local.

“Keeping your spending local as much as possible helps your friends and neighbors who own businesses and depend on Crenshaw County dollars,” said Carol Staller of the Crenshaw County Chamber of Commerce. “The Chamber promotes shop local.”